Fast Facts on Feeding Wildlife

Individuals are not permitted to feed wildlife on a residential property, with two exceptions – to capture feral cats as part of a spray and neuter program, or using bird feeders to feed songbirds only. Residents are only permitted to own two bird feeders, and there are guidelines about how to keep and care for birdfeeders that must be followed. The full text of the amendment is in question 4.

Providing food for birds attracts them to our neighbourhoods, and songbirds can be beautiful in a City setting. However, food put out for birds may also attract other wildlife that we do not want near our homes, including insects, rodents, gulls, crows, birds of prey, or flocks of pigeons.

Insects, rats and other birds can do damage to property, be dangerous for pets and can result in unsanitary conditions in an area.

The City operates on a complaint-based system. So, when individuals raise a potential complaint or concern, our inspectors investigate to first see if the complaint is warranted, and secondly to address the concern with the property-owner in question. We can and do charge individuals who are not compliant with City regulations and disregard warnings to rectify issues.

Property owners have a responsibility to follow municipal by-laws. City inspectors want to work with residents to ensure that properties are maintained in a way that protects the safety and wellbeing of neighborhoods.

5.1.1 No person shall feed or permit the feeding of Wildlife on a residential property, and/or leave food or attractants out of doors on a residential property in such a manner as to attract or be accessible by Wildlife. (Amended 2019/06/04; #1620)

5.1.1 (1) Notwithstanding section 5.1.1, an organization conducting a feral cat spay and neuter program may leave food out of doors in a feral cat feeding enclosure for the purpose of that program;
(Amended 2019/06/04; #1620)

5.1.1 (2) Notwithstanding section 5.1.1, a person may feed or permit the feeding of songbirds on a residential property owned or occupied by the person, provided that:

(a) The feeding of songbirds is accomplished exclusively through the use of a Bird Feeder;

(b) Each Bird Feeder is kept free of wet and/or spoiled food;

(c) Each Bird Feeder is regularly cleaned and disinfected;

(d) There are no more than two (2) Bird Feeders per residential property, except where the lot area of the residential property is in excess of 465 square meters, in which case one (1) additional Bird Feeder may be erected for each additional 465 square meters;

(e) Any food or other waste deposited on the ground of the residential property is removed and disposed of without delay;

(f) The feeding of songbirds on the residential property does not attract insects, rodents, gulls, crows, birds of prey, or flocks of pigeons.”
(All Section 5.1.1 Amended 2019/06/04; #1620)